The newest member of the Festál series, now in its fifth year, recognizes the Indian festival of Diwali with luminous light and color. The festival begins with an opening ceremony, 12 p.m., on the Armory stage. Special guests include Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and Washington State Senator Patty Kuderer.

A special performance by Rajasthani Caravan, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., highlights the festival. This visiting troupe of hereditary performers from Rajasthan, India offers attendees a rare opportunity to experience a unique form of culture, high energy traditional Rajasthani folk dances accompanied by musicians who sing and play age-old traditional instruments in colorful traditional costumes.

Lights of India also presents classical Indian music and dance. A fashion show features dress-ups for the Indian Festival of Diwali. Several visual displays and participatory events, including Golu: Display of Traditional Dolls, children’s games and activities, demonstrations on how to mix spices and decorate cupcakes, clay ganesha making, flower mandala design and the varied uses of Henna, allow festival-goers to explore the many cultural aspects of Diwali.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Diwali: Lights of India, visit www.facebook.com/vccfestivals, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

]]>Festál: CoatiaFest, Oct. 1http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2017/09/28/festal-coatiafest-oct-1/
Thu, 28 Sep 2017 22:42:32 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=886Seattle Center Festál: CroatiaFest, 12pm – 6pm, Sunday, Oct. 1, in Seattle Center Armory, presents the rich heritage of a small European country. This larger-than-life celebration seeks to underscore the presence and influence of 40,000 people with Croatian ancestry living in our region with a day of absorbing programming, thoughtful exhibits and illuminating activities.

Festivities begin with opening ceremonies at 12 noon in Seattle Center Armory. Following, throughout the afternoon, some of the finest Croatian music and dance ensembles from the United States and Canada will perform traditional music and dance, articulated with exquisite costumes, on the Armory main stage.

Families with children should stop by the Kids Activity Booth on the Armory main floor to join in one of the many available craft projects. Two cooking demonstrations are offered at the new John Sarich Memorial Cooking Stage on the 3rd floor of the Armory, and seven festival food booths feature traditional BBQ lamb on the spit, grilled čevapčići with ajvar (minced meats and roasted eggplant), Croatian style sausages, cheese and meat filled burek, cabbage rolls, povitica (walnut roll) and palacinke (crepes).

Festival-goers 21 years and older may learn about Croatian wines. Tasting tickets may be purchased at the CroatiaFest Information Booth, which also offers a souvenir program, a schedule of the day’s activities and volunteers ready to answer questions. An exquisite travelling photography exhibit, “Hrvatski Svjetionici” (Croatian Lighthouses), features restored lighthouses built between 1818 and 1899 that continue to protect the Dalmatian coastline. There will also be a variety of Croatian goods and souvenirs for purchase.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on CroatiaFest, visit www.croatiafest.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

The festival began in 1988 as a five-year quinquennial celebration of the Columbus voyage to the New World. However, the Italian community insisted that the annual effort continue. In 2017, the hugely popular two-day event celebrates the 30th Annual Festa Italiana/The Italian Festival with a two-day program that includes:

Festival-goers may explore a collection of classic Italian vehicles; an exhibit of works inspired by Italy; an exhibit, show and parade of traditional Italian dog breeds; and over 1,000 photographs of Seattle’s earliest Italian immigrants. The festival also presents a Taste of Italy™ Wine Tasting and Opening Reception, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, in the Armory. The tasting event feature music by Danny Quintero, over 70 Italian wines, hors d’oeuvres and antipasti from Big John’s PFI. Tickets are $25 per person for this 21 and older event.

An all-volunteer community organization produces an annual series of events the last week of September culminating in The Italian Festival at Seattle Center. The events celebrate the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest by promoting the arts, the food and the culture that are uniquely Italian.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on The Italian Festival, visit www.festaseattle.com, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

]]>CoatiaFest, Oct. 1http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2017/09/21/coatiafest-oct-1/
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:03:17 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=881Seattle Center Festál: CroatiaFest, 12pm – 6pm, Sunday, Oct. 1, in Seattle Center Armory, presents the rich heritage of a small European country. This larger-than-life celebration seeks to underscore the presence and influence of 40,000 people with Croatian ancestry living in our region with a day of absorbing programming, thoughtful exhibits and illuminating activities.

Festivities begin with opening ceremonies at 12 noon in Seattle Center Armory. Following, throughout the afternoon, some of the finest Croatian music and dance ensembles from the United States and Canada will perform traditional music and dance, articulated with exquisite costumes, on the Armory main stage.

Families with children should stop by the Kids Activity Booth on the Armory main floor to join in one of the many available craft projects. Two cooking demonstrations are offered in the new John Sarich Memorial Cooking Stage on the 3rd floor of the Armory, and seven festival food booths feature traditional BBQ lamb on the spit, grilled čevapčići with ajvar (minced meats and roasted eggplant), Croatian style sausages, cheese and meat filled burek, cabbage rolls, povitica (walnut roll) and palacinke (crepes).

Festival-goers 21 years and older may learn about and taste Croatian wines. Tickets may be purchased at the CroatiaFest Information Booth, which also offers a souvenir program, a schedule of the day’s activities and volunteers ready to answer questions. An exquisite travelling photography exhibit, “Hrvatski Svjetionici” (Croatian Lighthouses), features restored lighthouses built between 1818 and 1899 that continue to protect the Dalmatian coastline. There will also be a variety of Croatian goods and souvenirs for purchase.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on CroatiaFest, visit www.croatiafest.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

Organizers of this extraordinary undertaking expect to help 4,000 people over the four-day period this year. Now in its fourth year, Seattle/King County Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofit entities, private businesses and thousands of volunteers to help underserved and vulnerable populations.

Over the past three years, the Clinic has cared for 11,900 patients and provided over $10 million in services. Statistics show patients come to the Clinic from 262 unique zip codes and speak 37 primary languages. Many who seek services (47%) do not have health insurance, are unemployed (49%) or classified as the working poor; and more than 60% of patients are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Patients may park free of charge at two Seattle Center facilities, 1st Ave North Garage and Mercer Street Parking Garage, on each day of the Clinic.

Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, located on the grounds at the corner of 2nd Ave North and Thomas Street, serves as the ticket waiting and distribution area. Organizers distribute free admission tickets for the day beginning at 5 a.m. Tickets are limited.

Doors to KeyArena open at 6:30 a.m. Patients are admitted by ticket number into the Clinic.

Patients register as they enter. They do not need to show identification or proof of immigration status.

Inside KeyArena, all procedures and services are provided free of charge, and interpretation services are available for those who need them.

Patients may receive services in two areas on each day, however, they cannot receive both dental and eye care in one day. They may return to the Clinic on other days for additional services.

Seattle/King County Clinic transforms the form and function of KeyArena. The licensed healthcare professionals and general support volunteers who staff it donate their time and expertise. Patients receive real, and in many instances, extensive care including dental fillings and extractions, comprehensive eye exams and free prescription eyeglasses, physical exams, PAP smears, mammograms, EKGs, x-rays, lab tests, vaccinations, foot care, acupuncture and much more. Additional information is available at: www.seattlecenter.org/patients.

Seattle/King County Clinic is made possible through thousands of donated work hours as well as cash and in-kind contributions. Donations are accepted at: www.seattecenter.org. Healthcare professionals and general support volunteers may sign up for a variety of work shifts through an online registration system at: www.seattlecenter.org/volunteers.

Organizing and implementing an event on this scale represents the serious dedication of a caring community to make a difference for the most vulnerable among us. By meeting immediate healthcare needs and providing connections for ongoing care, the community partners involved hope that this event will positively impact the health of the region and raise awareness of the scale of those left out of the current healthcare system. Learn more about Seattle/King County Clinic at: www.seattlecenter.org or by calling 206-684-7200.

]]>Festál: Tibet Fest, Aug. 26 & 27http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2017/08/15/festal-tibet-fest-aug-26-27/
Tue, 15 Aug 2017 21:57:27 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=856Explore the distinct religious and cultural heritage of the Tibetan people at Seattle Center Festál: Tibet Fest, 11am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27, in Seattle Center Armory and on Fisher Rooftop. Festival organizers share their history and arts-along with messages of love, compassion and kindness-to entertain, engage and educate younger Tibetan generations and people of their adopted country.

You’ll find much to see and do as Tibet Fest enters its 22nd year, from a Tibetan altar room to a kitchen exhibition, Tibetan art of weaving exhibition and hands-on demonstration to a calligraphy workshop. Live music and dance include Tibetan yak and lion dances and modern Tibetan songs, with a circle dance workshop at the close of the day.

Tibetan foods will be available for purchase including curries, Thali (several items served on a platter) and hot and cold chai tea and momo. In fact, you can learn how to make the ever-popular Tibetan dumplings at momo making demonstrations throughout the event days. Visitors will also find handmade items from India, Nepal and Tibet, from Tibetan carpets to traditional dresses, shawls, bags, hats, jewelry and more.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Tibet Fest, visit Tibet Fest, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

In 2017, BrasilFest features Maranhão, a northeastern state of Brazil. A traditional dance presentation from that region, called “Bumba-meu-boi,” uses costumes and drumming to tell the tale of a dying bull mystically brought back to life, 4 p.m. at the Mural Amphitheatre. Other Mural performances include Batucada Yemanjá, Onda Verde, Tambor e Cordas, Dance Brazil and The Cuban Heels, culminating in the lively and colorful Show Brazil at 6 p.m. and a jam percussion and parade from Mural Amphitheatre to the roof of Fisher Pavilion at 7 p.m.

Festival workshops give participants a glimpse into the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, Brazilian dance and Samba-Reggae dance, 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. on Seattle Center Armory Stage. Younger festival-goers will find a range of children’s activities, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., and unique items from Brazil will entice shoppers at the Bossa-Nova booth, all in the Armory. Outside, food vendors will prepare several traditional Brazilian dishes for purchase.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on BrasilFest, visit www.brasilfest.com, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com/festal or call 206-684-7200.

A remarkable line-up of entertaining and educating activities presents participants from up and down the West Coast. Two Iranian American female authors will lecture on their writing and advocacy, Mariam Khosravani, founder and president of the Iranian American Women Foundation based in Irvine, Cal., and Zohreh Ghahremani of San Diego, Cal. Performance highlights include: renowned Kamancheh player and composer Mehdi Bagheri; Vancouver Pars National Ballet, a professional ballet dance group focused on traditional folklore performance based out of Canada; and California-based violinist and composer Farzam Fattahi.

Festival-goers may purchase Persian food, tea and pastries, and they may choose from many handmade items available for sale at the Iranian Bazaar. Iranian American chef and award-winning cookbook author Najmieh Batmanglij will offer a cooking demonstration and book signing. Interactive activities include an all-ages calligraphy workshop by local artist Ali Rohfar and a children’s area with drawing/painting, face painting and arts and crafts.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For click here for more information on Iranian Festival, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

Established in 1993, Feng Hsiang Dance Troupe often represents Taiwan on the world stage. This dynamic dance company uses a mix of folk and classical dance, embellished by brightly colored, flowing costumes and held objects to express the history and rituals of Taiwan.

Professional artists, recruited from among very young Keelung academy dancers, comprise Feng Hsiang Dance. The choreography of their shows, accompanied by lively music, gains inspiration from the Taiwanese native population already on the island when the Chinese arrived; and it also portrays ancient Chinese traditions. The dances depict dynastic reigns, Buddhism, martial arts, dragons, ancient princesses, changing seasons and annual celebrations.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200

]]>Summer Playground Party, Aug. 5 & 19http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2017/07/18/summer-playground-party-aug-5-19/
Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:52:02 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=839Seattle Center and Northwest Folklife Festival are teaming up this August to present Summer Playground Party, an entertainment-packed free event designed just for preteens, 5pm–8pm, Saturday, August 5 and 19, in Next Fifty Plaza at Seattle Center. The parties also serve as pre-events for young people going to Seattle Center Movies at the Mural, 9 p.m., at Mural Amphitheatre, featuring La La Land on the 5th and Clue on the 19th.

Playground Party participants will find numerous forms of pre-teen fun in the outdoor area adjacent to Artists at Play playground. Some of the region’s most popular kids’ bands are on board to provide live entertainment. Featured bands Skates on Aug. 5 and Runt on Aug. 19.

Interactive activities and other gaming opportunities are on-going through the three-hour event. Kids can put together creations at imaginative craft booths to carry away. They can also try their hand at structured games such as Red Rover, Mini-Golf, Giant Jenga and more. And what’s a party without free popcorn and other tempting edibles? They’ll find plenty at the Summer Playground Party.

Summer Playground Party will make use of the open, outdoor area around Artists at Play. In keeping with the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan, which envisions an active, engaging family destination in this large space, Artists at Play opened in May 2015 to offer an artful and inviting outdoor environment accessible to all ages and abilities. The new play area has captivated visitors of all ages and become a must-stop-and-play experience for innumerable children.

For more information on Summer Playground Party and other free summer offerings at Seattle Center, click on seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.